Surgical syringe holder

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a medical device holder for holding a surgical device, such as a surgical syringe, in a relatively fixed position. In one embodiment, the device includes a hollow elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween for receiving a medical device. First and second end cap members, each having a central opening formed therein for receiving a portion of the medical device, are removably mated to the first and second ends of the elongate member. In use, the end cap members are effective to retain the medical device within the hollow elongate member. In another embodiment, a medical device holder is provided having first and second members, each member including at least one grasping member for engaging and support a medical device disposed therebetween.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to medical device holders, and moreparticularly to devices for positioning and holding medical instruments,such as surgical syringes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Surgical syringes are commonly used by physicians, nurses, andother hospital personnel for a variety of purposes. In certain surgicalprocedures, syringes are used to deliver fluids gradually and/orintermittently over a period of time via a single puncture wound in apatient. Such procedures typically require the surgeon or other staffmember to maintain the position of the surgical syringe. However, it isundesirable to manually hold a syringe, as it can be difficult tomaintain a steady hand. Unnecessary movement can result in displacementof the needle, or can cause injury to the patient. In addition, it isdesirable to free-up the surgeon's, or other staff member's, hands toallow them to perform other functions during the time betweeninjections.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a surgical syringe holder thatis effective to maintain a syringe in a relatively fixed position over aperiod of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a medical device holder forholding a surgical device, such as a surgical syringe, in a relativelyfixed position. In one embodiment, the device includes a hollow elongatemember having a first end, a second end, and an inner lumen extendingtherebetween for receiving a medical device. At least one end cap memberis removably mated to at least one of the first and second ends of theelongate member, and includes a central opening formed therein. Thecentral opening in at least one of the end cap members has a sizeconfigured to assist in retaining at least a portion of a medical devicewithin the inner lumen of the elongate member.

[0005] In one embodiment, the medical device holder includes a first,distal end cap member removably mated to the first, distal end of theelongate member, and a second, proximal end cap member removably matedto the second, proximal end of the elongate member. A variety of matingelements can be provided for removably mating the first and second endcap members to the elongate member. By way of non-limiting example, eachend cap member can include at least one threaded member formed on aninner surface thereof, and the first and second ends of the elongatemember can include at least one corresponding threaded member.Alternatively, the first and second end cap members can be mated to theelongate member by an interference fit, or a positive mechanicalengagement.

[0006] In other aspects, the medical device is a surgical syringe havinga barrel, a needle extending distally from the barrel, and a plungerextending proximally from the barrel. The elongate member preferably hasa generally cylindrical shape and is adapted to receive at least aportion of the barrel of the syringe. The central opening in the distalend cap member can have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the barrelof the syringe to prevent the barrel from extending through the distalend cap member. Conversely, the central opening in the proximal end capmember preferably has a diameter greater than the diameter of the barrelof the syringe to allow the barrel to extend therethrough. In analternative embodiment, the central opening in the first, distal end capmember and the central opening in the second, proximal end cap membercan each have substantially the same diameter, and the diameter isgreater than a diameter of the barrel of the syringe.

[0007] In another embodiment, the medical device holder can include atleast one gripping member, such as an o-ring, disposed between at leastone of the first and second end cap members and the first and secondends of the hollow elongate member. The gripping member is effective togrip the barrel portion of the syringe to hinder movement of the syringewith respect to the elongate member.

[0008] A system for holding a medical device is also provided andincludes a medical device holder having a hollow elongate member,proximal and distal end cap members removably mated to proximal anddistal ends of the elongate member, and a medical device removablydisposed within the inner lumen of the hollow elongate member. Theproximal and distal end cap members each include a central openingextending therethrough, and at least one of the end cap members iseffective to retain the medical device within the hollow elongatemember.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the medical device is a surgicalsyringe having a barrel disposed within the inner lumen of the hollowelongate member and through the central opening in the proximal end capmember, a needle extending from the distal end of the barrel and throughthe central opening in the distal end cap member, and a plungerextending from the proximal end of the barrel. The central opening inthe distal end cap member can have a diameter smaller than a diameter ofthe syringe barrel, and the central opening in the proximal end capmember can have a diameter greater than a diameter of the syringebarrel. In a preferred embodiment, the central opening in each of theproximal and distal end cap members are substantially the same, and thediameter is larger than a diameter of the syringe barrel.

[0010] In use, the second, distal end cap member is mated to the medicaldevice holder. The syringe is then inserted through the proximal end ofthe elongate member to insert the needle through the central opening inthe distal end cap member and position the distal end of the barrelagainst the inner surface of the distal end cap member. The first endcap member can then optionally be mated to the proximal end of theelongate member.

[0011] In other aspects, the medical device holder can be configured toeither allow movement or limit movement of the surgical syringe withrespect to the elongate member. In one embodiment, the surgical syringeis slidably disposed and movable within the inner lumen of the hollowelongate member such that the barrel portion of the syringe can slidablyextend through the proximal end cap member. The device having thisconfiguration, preferably includes a connector element adapted to mateto a rigid surgical retractor arm.

[0012] In another embodiment, the medical device holder can include agripping member, such as an o-ring, effective to grip a portion of themedical device to hinder movement of the device with respect to theelongate member. The gripping member can be disposed within the elongatemember, within one or both end cap members, or between one or both endcap members and the elongate member. The gripping member is preferablyconfigured to extend into the lumen of the elongate member and/or endcap members to effectively limit the inside diameter of the lumen. Inthis configuration, the device preferably includes a connector elementadapted to mate to a flexible surgical retractor arm.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a medical device holder is providedhaving a substantially hollow elongate member having a distal end, aproximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween defined by an innerlumen wall. A compressible gripping member is disposed over at least aportion of the inner lumen wall, and is effective to effectively reducean inner diameter of the lumen. The device further includes connectorelement disposed on at least a portion of an outer wall of the elongatemember. The connector element is effective to mate the elongate memberto a support member. The gripping member can be, for example, an o-ringor a compressible sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the grippingmember is compressible between a first inner diameter when no medicaldevice is disposed within the lumen of the elongate member, and asecond, larger inner diameter when a medical device having an outerdiameter greater than the first diameter is disposed within the innerlumen of the elongate member.

[0014] In another embodiment, the device includes first and secondmembers, each having a generally elongate extension with first andsecond ends, an upper grasping member mated to the first end, and alower grasping member mated to the second end. A mating element isformed on at least one of the first and second members for pivotallymating the first member with respect to the second member. In use, thefirst and second members are pivotally movably between a first, openposition, and a second, closed position wherein the upper and lowergrasping members of the first and second members are adapted to engageand support a medical device.

[0015] The first and second members of the medical device holder caninclude an actuating member for effecting movement of the first andsecond members with respect to each other. In one embodiment, theactuating member can be opposed first and second handles mated to thefirst and second members. A compressive force applied to bring the firstand second handles in contact with each other causes opening of thefirst and second members. The device can optionally include a biasingelement for biasing the first and second members to one of the open orclosed positions. The device can also include a locking elementeffective to lock the first and second members in the open or, morepreferably, in the closed position, wherein the upper and lower graspingmembers of the first and second members are adapted to engage andsupport a medical device.

[0016] The upper and lower grasping members of each of the first andsecond members can have a variety of configurations, but preferably eachgrasping member has a generally semi-cylindrical shape and is adapted tograsp a generally cylindrical medical device, such as the barrel of asurgical syringe. The grasping members can include a resilient surfacedisposed on an inner, gripping surface of each grasping member.Alternatively, or in addition, each grasping member can include a highfriction surface disposed on the inner, gripping surface thereof.

[0017] The first and second members can be mated together using avariety of configurations, but preferably the generally elongateextension of each member includes an outwardly extending portion havinga bore disposed therethrough. A pin member is removably disposed througheach bore in the first and second members, thereby mating the members,yet allowing pivotal movement of the members with respect to each other.In one aspect, the pin member can include proximal and distal ends. Theproximal end preferably has a diameter larger than a diameter of thebore in each of the first and second members to prevent the proximal endof the pin member from extending through each bore. The distal end ofthe pin member can be adapted to mate to a support member, and can, forexample, include a groove formed therein and adapted to mate with aretaining ring to prevent the pin member from being removed from thebore formed in each of the first and second members. The distal end ofthe pin can also include a locking element effective to lock the firstand second members in one of the open or closed positions. The lockingelement can be, for example, threads formed on the distal end of the pinmember for mating with complementary threads formed on the supportmember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The invention will be more fully understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustration of a medical deviceholder according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of the medical device holder ofFIG. 1 in the disassembled form;

[0021]FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view illustration of another embodimentof a medical device holder having a surgical syringe disposed therein;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustration of a medical deviceholder mated to a support member according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a front view illustration of a medical device holderaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a side view illustration of the medical device holder ofFIG. 5;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration of one component of themedical device holder of FIG. 5;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustration of another component ofthe medical device holder of FIG. 5;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustration of a mating element anda portion of a support member for use with a medical device holder ofthe present invention; and

[0028]FIG. 10 is a top view illustration of the medical device holder ofFIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention provides a medical device holder forpositioning and holding a medical device in a relatively fixed position.The medical device holder is particularly useful for holding surgicalsyringes over a length of time, thereby allowing the surgeon and/orother medical personnel to perform other functions during the timebetween injections. A person having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that, while the device is described for use as a surgicalsyringe holder, the device can be configured to hold a variety ofmedical instruments.

[0030]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a medical device holder 10.As shown, the device 10 generally includes a substantially hollowelongate member 12 having a proximal end 14, a distal end 16, and aninner lumen 18 formed therein. A first end cap member 20 is removablyand replaceably disposed on the proximal end 14 of the elongate member12, and a second end cap member 22 is removably and replaceably disposedon the distal end 16 of the elongate member 10. In use, one or both endcap members 20, 22 of the medical device holder 10 can be effective toassist in retaining at least a portion of a medical device within theinner lumen 18 of the hollow elongate member 12. For example, the distalend cap member 22 can be configured to retain a portion of a medicaldevice within the inner lumen 18 of the hollow elongate member 12, whilethe proximal end cap member 20, on the other hand, can be configured toallow a medical device to be slidably disposed therethrough. In apreferred embodiment, both end cap members 20, 22 are configured toallow a medical device to be slidably disposed therethrough.

[0031] The hollow elongate member 12, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2,includes a proximal end 14, a distal end 16, and an inner lumen 18extending therebetween. The outer wall of the elongate member 12 can beformed from a substantially solid structure, or it can optionallyinclude one or more openings formed therein and extending into the innerlumen 18. By way of non-limiting example, the elongate member 12 caninclude at least one slot 13 extending along the length of the elongatemember 12 to allow visual access to a medical device disposed within theinner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12.

[0032] The elongate member 12 can have virtually any shape and size, butpreferably has a shape and size configured to hold a pre-selectedmedical device. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the elongate member 12 has agenerally cylindrical shape and is configured to receive a surgicalsyringe 50, or at least the barrel portion 52 of a surgical syringe 50.While FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a generally cylindrical shape, the elongatemember 12 may have alternative shapes such as, for example, a square,rectangular, polygonal, or ovoid shape. Moreover, the elongate member 12can include a variety of surface features, cut-out portions,indentations, or other features which define the shape.

[0033] The length l_(e) and diameter d_(e) of the elongate member 12 canalso vary, but should be configured to receive at least a portion of abarrel of a surgical syringe 50. The diameter d_(e) is preferablygreater than the diameter of a surgical syringe barrel to allow thebarrel to be slidably disposed within the inner lumen 18 of the elongatemember 12. The diameter d_(e) can, however, be configured to hinderrotational movement of a syringe 50 with respect to the elongate member12. The length l_(e) of the elongate member 10 is preferably less thanthe length of a barrel of a surgical syringe. In an exemplaryembodiment, the elongate member 12 has a length l_(e) in the range ofabout 1 and 10 inches, and a diameter d_(e) in the range of about 0.1and 100 mm.

[0034] The proximal and distal ends 14, 16 of the elongate member 12 areeach adapted to mate with an end cap member 20, and thus can include amating element 24 a, 24 b formed thereon. In one embodiment, the matingelements 24 a, 24 b may be formed from one or more threads disposedaround an outer surface of the elongate member 12 adjacent the proximaland distal ends 14, 16. The threads 24 a, 24 b are configured to matewith corresponding threads 26 a, 26 b formed on each end cap member 20,22. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that avariety of alternative mating elements can be used to connect the endcap members 20, 22 to the elongate member 12. For example, the proximaland distal ends 14, 16 of the elongate member 12 can include an annularflange or a groove formed thereon for mating with a corresponding grooveor annular flange, respectively, formed on each end cap member 20, 22.Other suitable mating techniques include, but are not limited to, aninterference fit and a positive mechanical engagement.

[0035] The medical device holder 10 can include one or more end capmembers 20, 22, which are also shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The endcap members 20, 22 can have a variety of shapes and sizes, andpreferably include a central opening 28 a, 28 b, or inner lumen,extending therethrough for receiving a at least a portion of a medicaldevice disposed within the inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12. Thedistal end cap member 22 can be formed integrally with the elongatemember 12, or alternatively it can be removably and replaceably mated tothe distal end 16 of the elongate member 12. The proximal end cap member20 is optional depending on the intended use.

[0036] Preferably, each end cap member 20, 22 has a size and shape whichallows each member 20, 22 to be removably and replaceably mated to theproximal and distal ends 14, 16 of the elongate member 12. In oneembodiment, each end cap member 20, 22 has a generally cylindricalshape. The end cap members 20, 22 can also optionally include a knurledouter surface, as shown in FIG. 1, for facilitating gripping of the endcap members 20, 22. In use, the distal end cap member 22 can be adaptedto assist in retaining a medical device within the inner lumen 18 of theelongate member 12.

[0037] In one embodiment, the central opening 28 a, 28 b in the proximaland distal end cap members 20, 22 each have an inner portion pp_(i),dp_(i), a middle portion pp_(m), dp_(m), and an outer portion pp_(o),dp_(o). The inner portion pp_(i), dp_(i) of each end cap member 20, 22can include a mating element 26 a, 26 b formed therein for mating withthe proximal and distal ends 14, 16, respectively, of the elongatemember 12. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the matingelements 26 a, 26 b are formed from at least one thread configured toengage corresponding threads 24 a, 24 b formed on the elongate member12. As previously stated, a variety of mating techniques can be used toconnect the end cap members 20, 22 to the elongate member 12. The middleportion pp_(m), dp_(m) of each end cap member 20, 22 preferably has adiameter d_(m) about the same as, or greater than, the diameter d_(e) ofthe inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12. Thus, when each end capmember 20, 22 is mated to the elongate member 12, the middle portionp_(m) and the inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12 form asubstantially contiguous, smooth surface.

[0038] The outer portion pp_(o), dp_(o) of each end cap member 20, 22can vary depending on use. In one embodiment, the distal end cap member22 can be configured to prevent at least a portion of a medical devicefrom extending therethrough. For example, where the medical device is asurgical syringe 50 having a barrel 52 disposed within the elongatemember 12, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer portion dp_(o) of the distalend cap member 12 can have a size which allows a needle 54 extendingdistally from the barrel 52 of the syringe 50 to extend through thecentral opening 28 b, yet prevents the barrel 52 of the syringe 50 fromextending therethrough. As a result, the distal end cap member 22 iseffective to assist in retaining the barrel 52 of the syringe 50 withinthe inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12. The diameter dd_(o) of theouter portion dp_(o) is thus preferably smaller than the diameter dd_(m)of the middle portion dp_(m) and/or the diameter d_(e) of the innerlumen 18 of the elongate member 12. The proximal end cap member 20, onthe other hand, can have middle and outer portions pp_(m), pp_(o) havingdiameters substantially the same as, greater than, or smaller than thediameter d_(e) of the inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12.

[0039] The medical device holder 10 can optionally include one or moregripping elements configured to hinder movement of a medical device withrespect to the elongate member 12. The gripping element can be provided,in addition to or as an alternative to the end cap members 20, 22, toassist in retaining a portion of a syringe within the elongate member12. The gripping element can be positioned anywhere within the medicaldevice, and should be effective to grip a portion of a medical devicedisposed within the inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12. In oneembodiment, the gripping element can be fixedly or removably disposedwithin the elongate member 12, disposed within the end cap members 20,22, or disposed between the end cap members 20, 22 and the elongatemember 12.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the gripping element is ano-ring 34 disposed between the end cap members 20, 22 and the elongatemember 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the o-ring is disposed within themiddle portion p_(m) of one or each end cap member 20, 22. The o-ringcan have a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be formed from a varietyof high friction and/or compressible materials. Preferably, at least aportion of the o-ring extends into the space defined by the lumen 18 ofthe elongate member 12 and/or the end cap members 20, 22 to effectivelylimit the inside diameter of the lumen 18 or end cap members 20, 22. Asa result, the o-ring is effective to grip the barrel portion 52 of thesurgical syringe 50 to hinder or prevent movement of the syringe 50 withrespect to the elongate member 12.

[0041] A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthe medical device holder 10 can alternatively or additionally include avariety of other gripping elements or similar type of frictionalelements disposed within the inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12,or within the end cap members 20, 22, for preventing or hinderingmovement of a syringe with respect to the elongate member 12. Forexample, one or more high friction strips can be placed along thelength, or around the circumference of the inner surface 18 of theelongate member 12. Alternatively, or in addition, the elongate member12 can include surface features that are adapted to engage the surgicalsyringe, or a compressible sleeve disposed over at least a portion ofthe inner lumen wall 18 and compressible between a first inner diameterwhen no medical device is disposed within the lumen 18 of the elongatemember 12, and a second inner diameter when a medical device having anouter diameter greater than the first diameter is disposed within theinner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12. In another embodiment, acompressible gasket can be placed within lumen 18, extending along allor a portion thereof.

[0042] In use, the medical device holder 10 is preferably assembled byattaching the distal end cap member 22 to the distal end 16 of theelongate member 12. An o-ring can optionally be placed between thedistal end cap member 22 and the elongate member 12 prior to mating thetwo members. A syringe, or other medical device, is then inserted intothe proximal end 14 and the inner lumen 18 of the elongate member 12.The needle of the syringe 54 extends through the central opening 28 b inthe distal end cap member 22. Depending on the diameter dd_(o) of theopening 28 b in the distal end cap member 22, a distal end surface ofthe barrel 52 can abuts the distal end cap member 22. The device 10 canbe utilized in this configuration.

[0043] Alternatively, or in addition, the proximal end cap member 20 canbe mated to the proximal end of the elongate member 12. As shown in FIG.3, the barrel of the syringe 52 can extend through the central opening28 a in the proximal end cap member 20, and thus is slidably movablywith respect to the elongate member 12. An o-ring member 34 canoptionally be positioned between the proximal end cap member 20 and theelongate member 12 prior to mating the end cap member 20 to the elongatemember 12.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the medical device holder 10 is preferablyconfigured to mate with a surgical support member, such as a surgicalretractor arm 70, for maintaining the position of the medical deviceholder 10 with respect to a patient. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,the device holder 10 can include at least one connector 42, 44 formating with a complementary connector 72 (FIG. 4) formed on a supportmember 70. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat virtually any type of connector can be used to mate the medicaldevice holder 10 to virtually any type of surgical support member, suchas a table support or a retractor arm.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the medical device holder 10 isconfigured to mate with either a rigid retractor arm (not shown) or aflexible retractor arm 70. In certain surgical procedures where asyringe is inserted at a single puncture wound over an extended period,it can be desirous to allow the syringe to move in conjunction with thepatient's breathing. Thus, where a rigid surgical retractor arm isemployed, the medical device holder 10 is preferably configured to allowthe syringe 50 to move with respect to the elongate member 12.Alternatively, where a flexible surgical retractor arm is employed, themedical device holder 10 is preferably configured to prevent movement ofthe syringe 50 with respect to the elongate member 12. As a result ofeither configuration, the syringe 50, or alternatively the flexibleretractor arm, is allowed to move in conjunction with the patient'sbreathing.

[0046] FIGS. 5-10 illustrate another embodiment of a medical deviceholder 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the medical device holder 100 generallyincludes opposed first and second members 102 a, 102 b, each having agenerally elongate extension 104 a, 104 b, and at least one graspingmember 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b. A mating element 110, shown in FIG.6, is formed on, or disposed between, the first and second members 102a, 102 b for pivotally mating the first and second members 102 a, 102 b.In use, the first and second members 102 a, 102 b are movable between afirst, open position (not shown), and a second closed position in whichthe grasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b are adapted to engageand support a medical device, such as a surgical syringe 150. The firstand second members 102 a, 102 b can also each include an actuatingmember 112 a, 112 b for effecting movement of the first and secondmembers 102 a, 102 b with respect to each other.

[0047] While FIG. 5 illustrates medical device holder 100 engaging andsupporting a surgical syringe 150, a person having ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the medical device holder 100 can be used tosupport a variety of medical devices.

[0048] The first and second members 102 a, 102 b are each shown in moredetail in FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively. As shown, each member 102 a, 102b includes a generally elongate extension 104 a, 104 b having a first,proximal end 104 a ₁, 104 b ₁, and a second, distal end 104 a ₂, 104 b₂. An upper grasping member 106 a is mated to the proximal end 104 a ₁of the elongate extension 104 a of the first member 102 a, and anopposed, upper grasping member 106 b is mated to the proximal end 104 b₁ of the elongate extension 104 b of the second member 102 b. Likewise,the medical device holder 100 can include a lower grasping member 108 amated to the distal end 104 a ₂ of the elongate extension 104 a of thefirst member 102 a, and an opposed, lower grasping member 108 b mated tothe distal end 104 b ₂ of the elongate extension 104 b of the secondmember 102 b. In use, the upper and lower grasping members 106 a, 106 b,108 a, 108 b are adapted to engage and support a medical device 150disposed therebetween.

[0049] The elongate extensions 104 a, 104 b can have virtually any shapeand size, but should be configured to support the grasping members 106a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b in a position in which the grasping members 106a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b are effective to engage and support a medicaldevice 150. A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the first and second members 102 a, 102 b of the medical deviceholder 100 can be constructed without an elongate extension 104 a, 104b. Moreover, each member 102 a, 102 b can include one or more graspingmembers mated thereto or formed thereon.

[0050] Each grasping member 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b can have avariety of shapes and sizes, but preferably each member 106 a, 106 b,108 a, 108 b has a shape and size configured to engage a medical device,such as a surgical syringe 150. The grasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108a, 108 b can be formed integrally with the elongate extension 104 a, 104b or some other portion of the first and second members 102 a, 102 b, oralternatively can be mated thereto using a variety of techniques knownin the art. Moreover, the grasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 bcan be adjustably mated to the medical device holder 100 to allow eachgrasping member 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b to be positioned properly tofacilitate engagement and support of a medical device. In an exemplaryembodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each grasping member 106 a, 106 b.108 a, 108 b has a generally semi-circular shape and includes an inner,concave gripping surface 106 a _(i), 106 b _(i), 108 a _(i), 108 b _(i),and an outer convex surface 106 a _(o), 106 b _(o), 108 a _(o), 108 b_(o),. The inner, gripping surface 106 a _(i), 106 b _(i), 108 a _(i),108 b _(i) of each grasping member 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b canoptionally including a resilient, compressible, and/or high frictionsurface disposed thereon for facilitating engagement of the medicaldevice disposed therebetween.

[0051] Still referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the proximal end 104 a ₁, 104 b₁ , of each elongate extension 104 a, 104 b can optionally include atransverse portion 118 a, 118 b configured to receive a mating element110 for pivotally mating the first member with respect to the secondmember. The transverse portion 11 8 a, 11 8 b can have a variety ofshapes and sizes, but preferably each transverse portion 11 8 a, 11 8 bhas an L-shaped, generally planar configuration. The transverse portions118 a, 118 b are configured to overlap one another when the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b are mated, and can include a bore 114 a, 114b extending therethrough for receiving a mating element 110. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, the first and second members 102 a, 102 b can alsooptionally include a cylindrical member 116 a, 116 b disposed around thebore 114 a, 114 b for receiving and support the mating element 110. Whenmated, the cylindrical member 116 a, 116 b of each of the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b is aligned to form a single, elongate boreextending therethrough.

[0052]FIGS. 6 and 9 illustrate a mating element 110 which can beremovably disposed through the bore 114 a, 114 b in each of the firstand second members 102 a, 102 b for pivotally mating the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b. The mating element 110 allows the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b to move between a first, open position (notshown), and a second, closed position (FIGS. 5 and 6) in which thegrasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b are adapted to engage andsupport a medical device. The mating element 110 can have a variety ofconfigurations and can be formed integrally with, or mated to, the firstand second members 102 a, 102 b.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating element 110 is a pinmember having a proximal end 122 and a distal end 124, as shown in FIG.9. The proximal end 122 is preferably adapted to prevent the pin member110 from extending entirely through the bore 114 a, 114 b in thetransverse portion 118 a, 118 b of each of the first and second members102 a, 102 b. More preferably, the proximal end 122 of the pin member110 has a diameter d_(p) larger than a diameter d_(d) of the distal end124 of the mating element 110, and larger than the diameter d_(b) of thebore in the transverse portion 118 a, 118 b of each of the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b.

[0054] While the mating element 110 can have a variety ofconfigurations, the proximal end 122 can optionally include a grippingsurface, or knurled surface 126, formed thereon for facilitatinggripping of the pin member 110, and the distal end 124 can include athreaded surface 128 for mating with corresponding threads (not shown)formed in the bore 114 a, 114 b in the transverse portion 118 a, 118 bof each of the first and second members 102 a, 102 b. The distal end 124can also optionally include a locking element formed thereon forpreventing the pin member 110 from being removed from the bore 114 a,114 b formed in each of the first and second members 102 a, 102 b. Thelocking element can be, for example, a groove 132 formed around thedistal end 124 of the pin member 110, and a retainer ring (not shown)adapted to be disposed around the groove 132 after the pin member 110 isinserted through the bore 114 a, 114 b formed in each of the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b.

[0055] The medical device holder 100 can also optionally include anactuating member 112 a, 112 b formed on one or both of the first andsecond members 102 a, 102 b. As shown in FIGS. 5-8 and 10, the medicaldevice holder 100 includes first and second opposed actuating members112 a, 112 b mated to, or formed integrally with, the first and secondmembers 102 a, 102 b. The actuating members 112 a, 112 b are effectiveto move the first and second members 102 a, 102 b between the open andclosed positions. In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,the actuating members 112 a, 112 b are mated to the transverse member104 a, 104 b of each of the first and second members 102 a, 102 b. Eachactuating member 112 a, 112 b can have a variety of configurations, butpreferably each member 112 a, 112 b includes a handle portion, orsimilar structure, for facilitating gripping of the actuating members112 a, 112 b.

[0056] In use, the actuating members 112 a, 112 b are movable between afirst, open position, in which the grasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108 a,108 b of each of the first and second members 102 a, 102 b arepositioned in the closed position, and a second, closed position, inwhich the actuating members 112 a, 112 b are moved toward one anotherand the grasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b of each of the firstand second members 102 a, 102 b are positioned in the open position.

[0057] The medical device holder 100 can also optionally include abiasing element 134 for biasing the first and second members 102 a, 102b to one of the open or closed positions, and preferably to the closedposition, in which the grasping members 106 a, 106 b, 108 a, 108 b areadapted to engage and support a medical device. The biasing element 134can have a variety of configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, shownin FIG. 10, the biasing element 134 is a spring-like member mated to thefirst and second members 102 a, 102 b. The biasing element 134 can bedisposed around one of the cylindrical members 116 a, 116 b on the firstand second members 102 a, 102 b. Alternatively, the biasing element 134can be mated to, or formed integrally with, some other portion of thefirst and second members 102 a, 102 b, such as the elongate extension104 a, 104 b of each member 102 a, 102 b.

[0058] In use, the biasing element 134 applies a force to maintain thefirst and second members 102 a, 102 b in one of the open or closedpositions, preferably the closed position wherein the first and secondmembers 102 a, 102 b engage and support a medical device 150. The forceof the biasing element 134 can be overcome by grasping the actuatingmembers 112 a, 112 b causing the members 112 a, 112 b to contact eachother and thereby move the first and second members 102 a, 102 b fromthe closed position, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, 8, and 10, to the openposition (not shown).

[0059] The medical device holder 100 can further be adapted to mate to asupport member 136, such as a retractor or similar type of medicaldevice. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the distal end 124 of themating element 110 is configured to be disposed within a bore 138 formedin a support member 136. A variety of mating techniques can be utilizedto mate the distal end 124 of the mating element 110 to the supportmember 136 including, but not limited to, a threaded engagement, aninterference fit, a positive mechanical engagement, or a similar matingtechnique for removably securing the mating element 110 to a support136. In use, the mating element 110 extends through the bore 114 a, 114b in each of the first and second members 102 a, 102 b, and into a bore138 formed in the support member 136. As a result, the support member136 is effective to maintain the position of the medical device holder100.

[0060] The medical device holders of the present invention may beconstructed from a variety of materials that are suitable for medicalapplications. Preferred materials from which the medical device holderscan be made include metals, such as stainless steel, plastics, andrubbers, such as silicone.

[0061] One of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate furtherfeatures and advantages of the invention based on the embodimentsdescribed above. All references referred to herein are expresslyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical device holder, comprising: asubstantially hollow elongate member having a first, distal end, asecond, proximal end, and an inner lumen extending therebetween forreceiving a medical device; at least one end cap member removably matedto at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the hollow elongatemember and having a central opening formed therein having a sizeconfigured to assist in retaining at least a portion of the medicaldevice within the inner lumen of the elongate member.
 2. The medicaldevice holder of claim 1, further comprising a first, distal end capmember removably mated to the first, distal end of the elongate member,and a second, proximal end cap member removably mated to the second,proximal end of the elongate member.
 3. The medical device holder ofclaim 2, wherein the medical device is a surgical syringe and the hollowelongate member is generally cylindrical and is adapted to receive abarrel of the syringe.
 4. The medical device holder of claim 3, whereinthe central opening in the first, distal end cap member has a diametersmaller than a diameter of the barrel of the syringe, and the centralopening in the second, proximal end cap member has a diameter greaterthan a diameter of the syringe barrel.
 5. The medical device holder ofclaim 3, wherein the central opening in the first, distal end cap memberand the central opening in the second, proximal end cap member each havesubstantially the same diameter, and wherein the diameter is greaterthan a diameter of the barrel of the syringe.
 6. The medical deviceholder of claim 3, further comprising a gripping member disposed betweenat least one of the first and second end cap members and the first andsecond ends of the hollow elongate member, the gripping member beingeffective to grip a portion of the barrel of the syringe to hindermovement of the syringe with respect to the hollow elongate member. 7.The medical device holder of claim 6, wherein the gripping membercomprises an o-ring.
 8. The medical device holder of claim 2, whereinthe device further includes a mating element for removably mating thefirst and second end cap members to the hollow elongate member.
 9. Themedical device holder of claim 8, wherein the mating element comprisesat least one threaded member formed on an inner surface of the first andsecond end cap members, and at least one corresponding threaded memberformed on an outer surface of the first and second ends of the hollowelongate member.
 10. The medical device holder of claim 8, wherein thefirst and second end cap members are removably mated to the hollowelongate member by an interference fit.
 11. The medical device holder ofclaim 8, wherein the first and second end cap members are removablymated to the hollow elongate member by a positive mechanical engagement.12. The medical device holder of claim 1, wherein the hollow elongatemember includes a connecting element adapted to mate to a surgicalsupporting device.
 13. A medical device holding system, comprising: amedical device holder having a substantially hollow elongate memberhaving a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extendingtherebetween; proximal and distal end cap members removably mated to theproximal and distal ends of the hollow elongate member, the distal endcap member being effective to retain a portion of a medical devicewithin the hollow elongate member; and a medical device removablydisposed within the inner lumen of the hollow elongate member.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the proximal and distal end cap members eachinclude a central opening extending therethrough for receiving a portionof the medical instrument.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein thehollow elongate member has a generally cylindrical shape.
 16. The systemof claim 14, wherein the medical device comprises a surgical syringehaving a barrel disposed within the inner lumen of the hollow elongatemember and through the central opening in the proximal end cap member, aneedle extending from a distal end of the barrel and through the centralopening in the distal end cap member, and a plunger extending from theproximal end of the barrel.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein thecentral opening in the distal end cap member has a diameter smaller thana diameter of the syringe barrel, and wherein the central opening in theproximal end cap member has a diameter greater than a diameter of thesyringe barrel.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the central openingin the distal end cap member and the central opening in the proximal endcap member each have substantially the same diameter, and wherein thediameter is greater than a diameter of the syringe barrel.
 19. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the hollow elongate member has a lengthextending between the proximal and distal ends that is less than alength of the barrel of the surgical syringe such that the syringe isslidably disposed and movable within the inner lumen of the hollowelongate member.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the hollow elongatemember includes a connector element adapted to mate to a rigid surgicalretractor arm.
 21. The system of claim 17, further comprising at leastone compressible member disposed between at least one of the proximaland distal end cap members and the proximal and distal ends of thehollow elongate member, the at least one compressible member beingadapted to grip the barrel of the surgical syringe and hinder movementthereof within the inner lumen of the hollow elongate member.
 22. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the hollow elongate member includes aconnector element adapted to mate to a flexible surgical retractor arm.23. A medical device holder, comprising: a substantially hollow elongatemember having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extendingtherebetween defined by an inner lumen wall; a compressible grippingmember disposed over at least a portion of the inner lumen wall, thegripping member being effective to effectively reduce an inner diameterof the lumen; and is a connector element disposed on at least a portionof an outer wall of the elongate member, the connector element beingeffective to mate the elongate member to a support member.
 24. Themedical device holder of claim 23, wherein the gripping member comprisesan o-ring.
 25. The medical device holder of claim 23, wherein thegripping member comprises a compressible sleeve.
 26. The medical deviceholder of claim 23, wherein the gripping member is compressible betweena first inner diameter when no medical device is disposed within thelumen of the elongate member, and a second, larger inner diameter when amedical device having an outer diameter greater than the first diameteris disposed within the inner lumen of the elongate member.
 27. A medicaldevice holder, comprising: a first member having a generally elongateextension having first and second ends, and at least one grasping membermated to the generally elongate extension; a second member opposed tothe first member and having a generally elongate extension having firstand second ends, and at least one grasping member mated to the generallyelongate extension; and a mating element formed on at least one of thefirst and second members for pivotally mating the first member withrespect to the second member such that the first and second members arepivotally movable between a first, open position and a second, closedposition in which the at least one grasping member of the first andsecond members are adapted to engage and support a medical device. 28.The medical device holder of claim 27, wherein the generally elongateextension of each of the first and second members include an uppergrasping member mated to the first end of the elongate extension and alower grasping member mated to the second end of the elongate extension.29. The medical device holder of claim 27, wherein at least one of thefirst and second members includes an actuating member for effectingmovement of the first and second members with respect to each other. 30.The medical device holder of claim 29, wherein the actuating membercomprises opposed first and second handles mated to the first and secondmembers, and wherein a compressive force applied to bring the first andsecond handles in contact with each other causes opening of the firstand second members.
 31. The medical device holder of claim 27, whereinthe mating element further includes a biasing element for biasing thefirst and second members to one of the open or closed positions.
 32. Themedical device holder of claim 31, wherein the first and second membersare biased to the second, closed position.
 33. The medical device holderof claim 27, wherein the device further includes a locking elementeffective to lock the first and second members in one of the open orclosed positions.
 34. The medical device holder of claim 28, whereineach of the upper and lower grasping members of each of the first andsecond members comprise a generally semi-cylindrical member adapted tograsp a generally cylindrical medical device.
 35. The medical deviceholder of claim 34, wherein the upper and lower grasping members of eachof the first and second members further include a resilient surfacedisposed on an inner, gripping surface of the grasping members.
 36. Themedical device holder of claim 34, wherein the upper and lower graspingmembers of each of the first and second members further include a highfriction surface disposed on an inner, gripping surface of the graspingmembers.
 37. The medical device holder of claim 27, wherein eachgenerally elongate extension of the first and second members includes anoutwardly extending portion having a bore disposed therethrough, andwherein the mating element comprises a pin member removably disposedthrough each bore in the first and second members.
 38. The medicaldevice holder of claim 37, wherein the pin member includes a proximalend and a distal end, the proximal end having a diameter larger than adiameter of the bore of each of the first and second members to preventthe proximal end of the pin member from extending through each bore. 39.The medical device holder of claim 38, wherein the distal end of the pinmember is adapted to mate to a support member.
 40. The medical deviceholder of claim 38, wherein the distal end of the pin member includes agroove formed therein and adapted to mate with a retaining ring toprevent the pin member from being removed from the bore formed in eachof the first and second members.
 41. The medical device of claim 39,wherein the distal end of the pin member includes a locking elementeffective to lock the first and second members in one of the open orclosed positions.
 42. The medical device holder of claim 41, wherein thelocking element comprises at least one thread formed on an outer surfaceof the distal end of the pin member, the at least one thread beingconfigured to mate with at least one complementary thread formed on aninner surface of a bore formed in the support member.